It’s very system dependent. I have two DACs -- Audio Mirror Tubadour III and Luxman DA-06, and both benefit from adding a separate streamer between the DACs and Roon core (SGC SonicTransporter i5). The main benefits are a lower noise floor and a slightly wider and deeper soundstage. The differences are subtle but worth it to me. Having said that, I know many people don’t hear any improvements between the two options.
Of the streamers you mentioned above, I’m also seriously considering the Lumin U1 streamer. I auditioned the Innuous Zenith MK3 (also the mini version), but did not like the sound signature that much. I haven’t had a chance to listen to Auralic G2.1 though. BTW, if you order the Lumin from Upscale Audio they’re offering a 60 day return. That’s a very generous deal if you ask me. Unfortunately, the only way to know for certain is to try it out in your system since there's no clear cut answer. |
@arafiq
Thank you for your response. That's what I love about audio, no clear cut answers. Upscale Audio sells both the Lumin and the Auralic. That 60 day return policy would definitely come in to play. Thanks for reminding me.
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I'm currently running a Roon Nucleus directly into a Chord Qutest via Curious USB cable. I'm using an Sbooster Linear Power Supply with the Nucleus (fwiw purchased from Upscale Audio) and found that it made a big difference. Also currently considering introducing a D/D converter such as a Denafrips Gaia into the chain between the Nucleus and the DAC. |
I have a Roon Nucleus Plus connected to a PS Audio DirectStream DAC and the SQ streaming Qobuz is awesome.
I'm not sure I'd put another device in the path. |
OP: If you're open to other options, take a look at Sonore Signature Rendu SE Optical -- made in USA. It's based on their opticalRendu product, which I own and can vouch for. |
Any of the 3 you mention will be a better sounding replacement for your Roon Nucleus |
@arafiq - I am open to everything. As a rule, I am not an impressionable person, but when it comes to home audio, that totally goes out the window. I've been down so many rabbit holes.
I don't quite understand the Sonore Signature Rendu SE Optical, but I've read a ton. Recently, there was a small device to put in the chain before it for optical. I read a bunch about that too.
@jazzman7 - I've had my eye on a linear power supply for my Nucleus and the Sbooster seems to be the best answer. Thanks for the confirmation.
@ejr1953 - exactly why I asked. Thank you. |
I just replaced my mac mini > Metrum ambre setup with a wolf 🐺 audio Luna R. Its tremendous. I can finally use all the functionality of my DAC8DSD. And the fidelity is insane.
I should mention I auditioned the U1, and an Aurander w something... they cost Waaaaaay more the luna and cant even touch it.
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@andrewkelley -- I checked out Wolf Audio Luna R Digital on their website. It seems that if you want Roon compatibility for streaming, you're looking at $5400. Also, it's not clear whether you need accessories like the connectivity kit to operate it fully. I'm sorry but I don't see how you can claim that it's 'Waaaaaaaay' cheaper than U1.
Also, it will be helpful if you can share more details about your comparison with the Lumin and Aurender. What aspects of SQ do you think are better? |
@andrewkelley - I've barely heard mention of Metrum and Wolf, but if those best the Aurender W20SE, that's saying something special.
@hiphiphand - I read your post and the responses when you originally posted, but I now see there is quite a bit more discussion. It will be tonights "light" reading. Thank you.
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I use Roon on a dedicated Mac then going to a ps audio DS sr dac using Ethernet. I have used many software apps like audirvana and pure music on servers and then went to an Auralic Aries music server, all using usb to an external dac. I will never go back to usb until it gets better.
When Running over Ethernet or even i2s, you don’t have to worry about usb specs which is often a feature that differentiates manufacturers. I also like the sound better going directly into a BHK amp from the DS dac compared to using a quality preamp.
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I'm sticking with a dedicated barebones Acer laptop AMD CPU/20 Gb Ram , running Windows 10 and enhanced with AudiophileOptimizer,Fidelizer ,ProcessLasso and ParkControl.
I would consider a dedicated streamer if significant SQ gains were achievable , but no return policy on any products here in Thailand.
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I’ve found the Bricasti M5 a superb streamer, it just sounds very right. I use it with an Network Acoustics ENO filter and Ethernet cable on the input and find the AES output sounds the best. |
@arafiq the wolf server does not need anything but a keyboard, a mouse and a nice usb audio cable. If someone is looking to stream dsd they need the usb anyway so i dont count that in the cost.
The u1 is $6100
the used aurender was 16g
As far as sound quality.... the stage is incredible. You can mentally zoom in on the individual performers just like at a real concert. The detail is staggering, and ill say i have improved dynamics, air, and tonal accuracy.
I grew up in a studio and have been critical about sound my whole life. The op asked for opinions... i just went through the same thing as the op and this is where i landed. Take it or leave it.
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@andrewkelley - thanks for the follow-up. So,the Wolf Luna R is the steamer, right? It replaced the Mac Mini/Metrum Amber? Did you get the Luna R or the Luna R Pure Digital version? May I ask what DAC you’re using? |
@kcpellethread
bought the Luna R pure digital. I went with the titan processor. And I upgraded the sata cables. It is the roon server and streamer in one. i also does jriver, plays Netflix and everything else a computer does. But The thing has stillpoints inside, and is designed for amazing sound quality. Plus its a father and son operated business built by hand in florida.
I use a t+a dac8 dsd
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This thread completely lost me/ I thought the roon nucleus was a dedicated streamer that fed a dac. I have 2 systems, 1 Meridian DSP and the other with a hegel integrated with dac. in each case the roon accesses my library and tidal, finds content information, album covers, recommends similar music, gives album reviews, etc. Roon also unfolds mqa for us tidal subscribers. As often as dac chipsets change I wouldn't spend $$$ on a dac.
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Another option to look at is a used PS Audio DSD DAC with Bridge2. I find it almost impossible to beat. |
